Partial Penectomy

This is surgery to remove part of the penis.
A section of skin may be taken from another area of the body such as the thigh to replace some of the tissue which has been removed (skin graft). It is very important that men and their partners discuss this surgery with their specialist health team to ensure that they know exactly what to expect with regard to the appearance of the penis afterwards.

After surgery

Painkillers will be given on a regular basis.

It is important that painkillers are taken regularly as prescribed and not just when pain is felt.

The penis will have a surgical dressing covering it. This will usually be removed after 2 – 3 days. Once it is removed men should be able to have a shower, providing that they have not had a skin graft, they should pat the area dry with a clean towel or gauze and avoid any material that may leave fibres.

If a skin graft has been used a waterproof dressing will be left in place usually for 2 weeks. As the site of the skin graft heals it may cause an unusual odour which can cause alarm but this is us a result of the natural haling process.

Any stitches will be dissolvable but may take 4 – 6 weeks to fully disperse.

Men will have a urinary catheter (urine drainage tube) which may need to remain for up to 5 days.
If men do not have a catheter in when they are discharged from hospital it is important they avoid holding the operation site on their penis when they pass urine.Partial Penectomy

It is best to avoid sexual intercourse for 8 weeks following surgery.

Men will need a minimum 4 weeks off work.

A follow up appointment will usually be made after a few weeks to check that the operation site is healing satisfactorily and to discuss the results of the operation. Any further treatment that may be recommended will usually be decided at this time.

Urinary Problems

Surgery to the penis is likely to cause swelling and possibly inflammation of the penis. This may exert pressure to the urethra andcause the urinary stream to spray. It will usually settle in time and symptoms should improve as the body heals. However, if this proves bothersome, there are several types of disposable urinary funnel which can be purchased (see diagram below).

Examples of these can be found on amazon.co.uk.
Similar non-disposable devices are available on prescription and men should ask their GP or Practice nurse for details of these.
It is also possible to purchase a special key (RADAR Key) which allows anyone with a medical condition which has affected their urinary pattern to make use of otherwise locked or inaccessible toilets in the UK. It can be ordered from Disability Rights for a small fee. (https://crm.disabilityrightsuk.org/ radar-nks-key or 020 7250 8191).
A ‘Just Cant Wait’ toilet card can also be obtained from the Bladder and Bowel Foundation again for a small fee which is universally recognised and may allow men access to toilets in the same way. (https:// www.bladderandbowelfoundation.org/ just-cant-wait-card-introduction/ or 01926 357220)

For information on coping and dealing with the results of penile cancer treatment please click here

To read personal stories of men who have been affected and treated for penile cancer please click here